First off, just found this site and it is great. Thank you all as I have been reading a ton of threads, but have finally run into my first issue.

First time homebrewing. Thought we had done very well as far as sterilizing, following instructions, and everything, but we put the wort into the bucket with yeast and a quick stir around 10PM on Sunday night. As of now (Tuesday 8PM) I am seeing no bubbles in the airlock.

Just give it some time. You may have a poor seal, you may not have pitched enough yeast; 36 hour lag is not so unusual. If you still haven't seen any activity tomorrow, pop open the top and see if there are any signs of krausen, if not, maybe give the fermenter a little shake and repitch.

Is it ok to take the lid off and take a look in? Or is that a cardinal no no?

I did on my first batch. From what i have read, their is enough c02 to keep airborne bacteria off. But i also had bubbles 8 hours after i pitched the yeast. What yeast did you use? Also did you do a full boil or a partial?

I did on my first batch. From what i have read, their is enough c02 to keep airborne bacteria off. But i also had bubbles 8 hours after i pitched the yeast. What yeast did you use? Also did you do a full boil or a partial?

Yeah, if he ain't fermenting, there ain't any co2. At any rate it should be avoided, but it's not an absolute killer.

You might try warming it up a bit, adding some energizer and repitching yeast in that order if it doesn't start soon.

And the lid deal is a good suggestion to, it actually happens more than you'd think to first timers.